International Convention Speaker Biographies

Bobby Russell

“Mind/Body/Drum – A Rhythm Facilitation” by Bobby Russell

A group “drum” experience to increase the cohesiveness and unity of all who participate by the increase of the individual’s awareness of their own unique internal rhythms, how they relate to the rhythms of those near them, and the rhythms of the group as a whole, For introspection: what was personally felt in the beginning, middle and end? Did your feelings change as time moved on?

Did you need to “let go”, and give into the group or were you “synced” into Unity from the beginning. Did you feel a need to control (OR HELP) someone who “seemed” to be having difficulties staying with the group….and why? As a metaphor for life and human interactions, Chaos precedes Order as darkness precedes light.

About Bobby Russell — Bobby has been the DJ and sound technician for several of our Conventions and Graduations. In addition, this year he will also be sharing his presentation, “Healing Drums” accompanied by Shennandoah.

With over 20 years as a professional DJ, Bobby Russell is able to provide the music and equipment to make any gathering a great success. As Sedona Sounds owner, Disc Jockey, and Master of Ceremonies, Bobby knows how to set the perfect mood and pace of any special event. With the background and training of a professional musician, Bobby Russell has the rare combination of knowledge and experience difficult to find in the DJ industry: he has been a Multi-Instrumentalist, has a Degree in Music/MusicTherapy, and has been a Mobile Party DJ/MC for over two decades.

It is said that the only constant in life is change. But is that true? Of course not! There is another constant in life which not only helps you cope with change but benefit from it. God!

About Steven Lane Taylor — Inspired by a brief, but profound mystical experience he had at the age of fourteen, Steven Lane Taylor has had a lifelong interest in metaphysics…

In 1994 he began a formal study of metaphysics through the Unity Institute of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. And from 1996 to 2004 he taught a weekly class on metaphysics at a Unity church in Dallas, Texas.

In 2004 Steven published his first book, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow.” Since then, Steven has published two follow-up books, as well as a children’s book that he both wrote and illustrated.

In 2006 Steven moved to Sedona, Arizona with his wife, Carol. Both Steven and Carol enrolled in the University of Sedona, earning their Bachelor Degrees in 2009.Steven has been the guest speaker at more than 90 New Thought churches in 16 states, and he has been invited to speak at six national conferences, including the annual Unity conference; the annual gathering of the United Centers for Spiritual Living; and the annual congress of the International New Thought Alliance.

Steven’s work has appeared in many New Thought publications, such as Unity Magazine and New Thought Magazine. And he has been the guest on countless broadcast and internet radio shows.

The I AM SOLUTION is a model of spiritual and psychological therapy that can allow people to see their own fear-based thinking and change it. The model provides the visual tools that allow us to practice the attributes of God in our daily life.

About Karmen Annette Smith — With 20 years of speaking experience…

Dr. Smith is mental health therapist, metaphysical minster and author of the book, “The I AM Solution.” Dr. Karmen Smith worked in Child Welfare as a Child and Family Intervention Specialist. She understands how abuse, trauma, neglect and demeaning behavior can convince people they are victims. This is the most damaging weapon for human kind because we are made to be powerful beyond measure. Dr. Karmen Smith has shared this knowledge with Correctional Officers, Social Workers, Students, Ministers, Seniors, Women’s Groups and Parents.

“Guidance & Forgiveness”: In this presentation, Dr. Caldwell strives to encourage ministers, teachers and counselors to remember that we can guide others but it’s Infinite Spirit who really does the guiding. He will reinforce the truth that God’s guidance, blessings and mercies are available to everyone, every day. He will share how he came to know and realize this in his own life and career…

Workshop – “Weddings – Obtaining, Conducting and Arranging Them”: This workshop is designed for ministers who would like to perform weddings as a wedding officiant. This is based on what Dr. Caldwell has learned doing over 400 wedding ceremonies.

About Dick Caldwell — Dr. Dick Caldwell, Vice President, Board of Directors of IMM, has attended every IMM convention since 1995. In addition to being an ordained minister, he is an author, entertainer, businessman and wedding officiant. As a performer he has appeared in 40 states, eight provinces of Canada and seven countries, including a performance before the king and queen of Thailand. He holds a Doctor of Religious Studies from Emerson Theological Institute and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Metaphysics.

He started and operated three successful companies and has also worked on a chicken farm, in a hat factory, as a private secretary, musician and theatrical booking agent.

For five years Dr. Caldwell hosted a weekly television variety show syndicated nationally in Canada called “Sun Country.” He introduced k.d. lang on her very first TV appearance. Originally from Pennsylvania, he lived in Calgary, Canada for 19 years and in 1995 traded the Canadian Rockies for the Nevada desert where he discovered IMM and met Dr. Paul Leon Masters who became his mentor and friend. He started The Life Enrichment Center in Vermont and has also lived in California, Colorado and currently in Texas. In 1979 he won the World Speaking Competition of the 150,000-member Toastmasters International. He enjoys traveling, gourmet dining, basketball, football, concerts and theatre.

In this talk, Kate will illuminate who and what a Modern Day Priestess is. She will explore the spectrum from pre-historical and pre-patriarchy times to this current day technocratic moment and how the holy lineage of Priestess lives her life in service to that which is Eternal.

She is – living a life of extra-ordinary contribution…

in the most quantum of ways, sometimes quiet, sometimes out-loud. It matters not her title or label or societal identification; her life of Bhakti evidences her holy nature and the current necessity of her being-ness for these contemporary times.

About Kate Rodger – Kate is Founder and Director of the modern day mystery school, Institute of Modern Wisdom.

Since 1999, she has studied under the tutelage of new thought visionary Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, which holds her ministerial license. In addition, Rev. Kate has engaged in deep immersions, study, and living with various indigenous Elders and Mystics. Kate holds B.A.s in Religious Studies and Metaphysics and has a minor in East Asian Studies, graduating Suma Cum Laude, in addition to her BFA from SMU. She also holds a Masters of Science in Science and Spirituality and a Masters of Arts in Ancient Wisdom Traditions from Emerson Theological Institute. Rev. Kate is currently completing her Doctorate of Philosophy, with a focus on Practical Mysticism.

From 1988-1999, Kate is known for her work as an actor on stage and in film and television. In 1992, under the name Kathleen Clary Rodger, Kate published her first [children’s] book, My Guardian Angel Took a Vacation, with illustrations by the incomparable artist, Steve Ralston, to rave reviews.

After moving to and working in Los Angeles and Europe in smaller films and television in the mid-late 90s, she transitioned her life’s direction to align with the yearnings of her heart and soul. For a period of just over two years, Kate lived in solitude and deep listening to support returning to a life of inspired-living rather than achievement-orientation. Out of this commitment emerged a life path of dynamic service, residing peace, and liberated co-creation.

Beginning in 2002, Rev. Kate Rodger founded the Modern Day Priestess® movement, igniting with monthly Feminine Energy Circles in Los Angeles, CA. In 2006, she launched the pilot Modern Day Priestess® Training and in 2010, the men’s training-in-consciousness, Modern Day Alchemist® Training after newly establishing the educational foundation, Institute of Modern Wisdom, a 501c3 corporation.

Since the turn of the century, Kate has focused on providing evocative, life-transformative opportunities for individuals, youth, couples, families, communities, Fortune 500 Executives, Grammy artists, Emmy and Academy Award winners – essentially any aspirant of living a life of empowered consciousness and productivity.

The stain of substance abuse on the consciousness of the abuser, the family, the community and the world. The root cause of substance abuse is not understood by the treatment community. Substance abuse is the result of a lack of consciousness of the abuser. Current treatment methods do not anticipate permanent recovery from substance abuse. Metaphysical practices including the practice of meditation supported by research together…

with the application of the principles of practical philosophy and conversation in good company offers a permanent solution to substance abuse. It is the birthright of every person to live a happy and fulfilled life. Metaphysicians have the responsibility to make this birthright a reality for every individual.

About James Munro — Born in Glasgow, Scotland, James Munro’s under-graduate education included: University of Glasgow and Glasgow College of Technology with concentrations in: Scots Law, Accounting and Business Studies.

James’ post graduate education in the USA includes: Lehman College, New York, NY, School of Practical Philosophy, New York, NY, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, IA, University of Metaphysics, Sedona, AZ and University of Sedona, Sedona, AZ. Concentrations in: Substance Abuse, Practical Philosophy, Vedic Science and the Science of Metaphysics.

His professional work in Glasgow, Scotland and London, England, UK, in the field of Newspapers, Book, and Art Publishing, entailed management duties including corporate strategic development, downsizing inefficient companies/divisions, and the sale and purchase of businesses. In the USA, (NYC and Phoenix, AZ), James worked in Art Publishing: Limited and Open Editions, featuring contemporary, traditional, sports and music subjects in a variety of formats.

James is a Professor of Vedic Science (Maharishi University of Management) teaching four courses per year with concentration on “The Science of Creative Intelligence” for computer science graduate students. He is currently developing a new graduate course: Enhanced Performance Technologies and Intellectual Capitalism.

The effects our thoughts and beliefs have on our individual life, our family, and humanity in general.

About Sakina Geraldine Sawtelle — Sakina is a teacher, dancer, minister, chaplain, and wellness consultant. She has degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education…

Sakina has taught and performed professionally in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Nevada, and Virginia. She has studied with many dance masters, Sufi, and Native American teachers and has found their philosophies to be beneficial and meaningful in her life. Dr. Sakina is the owner and artistic director of Sawtelle School of Performing Arts and Awareness where she offers classes in dance, piano, guitar, and hand drumming. She is also the facilitator and minister of the Central Virginia Metaphysical Center offering Spiritual Counseling, Energy Balancing, and Wellness Consultations. As a minister, Rev. Sakina performs House Blessings, Marriage Ceremonies, Children Dedications, and Memorial Services. Sakina is an active member of VAHPERD (Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance), the Sufi Healing Order.

Dr. Masters’ quote: “Christ Consciousness exists dormant in the unconscious of all men and women” was the emphasis of Ante’s work. In addition, he will combine it with concept of metaphysical love and prayer, which was the title of his book: “Love Prayer”

About Ante Jelicic — Born in Croatia, Ante’s thirst for metaphysics began when he was a young athlete…

because he started to understand body is connected with mind. Later on, he discovered New Thought books, met some influencers in that field, but still something was missing… his journey led exactly to right person…to Dr. Masters and his teachings. He finished his metaphysical degree with a thesis “Laws of the Nature,” MBA.M. with “Metaphysics of Advertising,” and Dr.Phil. with a dissertation on Christ Consciousness. He is a student of Theocentric Psychology and Relationship Dynamics. Ante is still active in sports, where he coaches Australian men’s & women’s national handball teams, combining his sport education with coaching methods on mind and soul. He wrote “Love Prayer” which he is trying to turn into a script and movie. He is continuing his education in sports, as well as metaphysics, with his full heart. His desire is to find his soul mate, start a family and continue growing on self-mastery and development of his mortal and divine awareness. Philosophy, psychology, sports, art, and the love of all he loves, and a whole humankind, is his aspiration on an everyday basis.

This subject is a discussion of how the worldviews of humanity in the past 2,000 – 3,000 years have followed a shifting pattern that corresponds with ancient metaphysical concepts of the great cycles of the universe calculated and predicted in ancient texts. By examining these predictions and comparing them to the evolution of consciousness over time, a trajectory of evolution is revealed that helps us understand where we are in the cycle…

and where we could be headed.

About Violet Wylde — Vyolet is an Intuitive Empath and Clairvoyant who is also a Minister of Metaphysics with a background in formal psychology. Having obtained several degrees and certifications, she works as a Counselor Reiki Master, Energy Therapist and Intuitive Psychic for her personal clients. Vyolet draws from a rich understanding in psychology as well as a deep spiritual mission to promote and support awakening of individuals to their true nature.

As a child, Vyolet was sequestered to a small mountaintop home in Spokane Valley Washington with her family who was part of a deeply religious group. During this time of her life, she was not exposed to modern music, culture, or television; spending a great deal of time in the outdoors, at work and in prayer. For many years of her life, Vyolet was unaware that the visits she received from various beings and those who had passed on were uncommon to others. Her intuitive and empathic skills earned her favor in groups of friends who often sought her out for advice. In her late 20’s, Vyolet broke away from the religious group and experienced a deeply existential awakening. She began to recognize her abilities were much less common than she had ever imagined and went on a journey of discovery which led her through studies in formal and metaphysical sciences and a variety of energetic therapy modalities. Owing to her past experiences, Vyolet incorporated a business where she presently works to assist others in the path to spiritual liberation and self-awareness.